COLUMBUS, Ohio — The man accused of breaking into several west Columbus businesses, including a pet store where animals were set loose, is being held on a $10,000 bond.
Matthew Pancake, 31, is charged with breaking and entering and vandalism. His bond was set at $10,000 during his arraignment on Wednesday.
What happened?
Columbus Division of Police officers were called to a Roosters near Hilliard around 3 a.m. on July 9 after being notified of a burglary alarm going off.
Officers discovered that the restaurant was broken into. Detectives obtained video evidence showing a man with long hair wearing leopard-print pajamas inside the restaurant.
About 100 yards away, officers found that the Petland store was also broken into, and several animals were seen running around in the parking lot.
While searching the area, officers discovered the Famous Footwear store on Hilliard Rome Road was broken into.
Columbus Police Sgt. Joseph Albert said it is believed that the suspect is connected to the break-ins at the three businesses.
Bodycam video from his arrest shows officers pulling hamsters from his pants
Albert said Pancake was found sleeping on a bench near the Big Lots on Roberts Road at 4:47 a.m.
In body-camera footage, officers are seen grabbing Pancake off the bench and searching him. During the search, they found four hamsters and bedding in his leopard-printed pajamas.
He was arrested and taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. Pancake’s next hearing will be held on July 19.
Animals recovered after being set loose when suspect broke into west Columbus pet store
Police recovered two dogs, multiple birds, a hamster and at least two bunnies who were set loose. There were a couple of bunnies, birds and ferrets still missing as of Tuesday evening.